Van J. Decker
Van J. Decker, 84, passed away Thursday
(Jan. 4, 2007) at his home in Newton.
He was born on Jan. 7,1924 to Joseph
and Martha Decker in Utica, Ill.
He proudly served and actively fought
in World War II in the 1st Infantry Division and also served as an
ambulance driver in Europe. After his discharge from the service, he
met and married Vera Pohl on June 14, 1947. She survives of the home.
While living in Chicago, he and his
wife owned two full-service gas stations and later a television
repair shop called Arm-Cal TV. In 1963, he and his family moved to
Newton, where he and Vera owned and operated Starlight Skate Center
until retirement in 1997.
During retirement, he fulfilled his
time restoring his 1949 Continental Trailways bus to pristine
traveling accommodations, taking trips with Vera coast to coast.
He was preceded in death by his
parents, Joseph and Martha Decker; 11 brothers and sisters; and a
son-in-law, Donnie Simmons.
Survivors include: Vera, his wife of 59
years; sister, Martha Gula of Streeter, Ill.; one son and
daughter-in-law, Doug and Carolyn Decker of Tulsa, Okla.; daughter,
Susan Simmons of the home; grandsons, Martin Van Simmons of Newton,
and Paul Decker of Glenpool, Okla.; granddaughters, Tammy Shirley of
Newton and Deanna Decker of Tulsa, Okla.; and seven
great-grandchildren.
There will be a Celebration of Van's
life at 2 p. m. Sunday, his day of birth, in the home, 820 S. Pine in
Newton. Peter Hartman will officiate.
The family will welcome the community
into their home until 4 p. m., at which time family and close friends
will take Van out for one last bus ride.
Memorials can be sent to Hospice Care
of Kansas, 2205 N. Main, North Newton, KS 67117.
